Guessing the ROI on home upgrades can be a shot-in-the-dark, but here are some that we know will hit the mark. (And, no surprise — the outdoor theater+jacuzzi+fire pit does NOT make the list.)
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The personal stories of one realtor’s battles and triumphs in the highly-competitive Bay Area real estate market, seeking to illuminate and humanize the very real ups-and-downs of homeownership.
It’s been a toasty week with temperatures in the 80s here in the East Bay. That’s not exactly record breaking, comparatively speaking (lots of cities worldwide are currently under EXTREME heat waves), but because much of our aging Piedmont housing stock isn’t equipped with AC, the hotter temperatures can be a bit uncomfortable, especially when trying to sleep.
About a decade ago (about the same time hot flashes set in), Cliff and I retrofitted our current home with air conditioning, and while we don’t often need it, when we DO, I’m grateful for the investment. Other ammenities in our home include: a beverage refrigerator, kitchen pantry, powder room, outdoor kitchen, built-in potting bench, landscaped gardens, remote-controlled driveway gate, outdoor lighting, solar panels, dual-pained windows, earthquake retrofitting, insulation, stone countertops, renovated bathrooms, remodeled kitchen, Tesla battery walls, EV charger, drop-down movie screen, detached garage, rain collection system, security system, and a legal ADU.
What we didn’t spend money on was . . . a steam shower, sauna, hot tub, plunge bath, swimming pool, home gym, game room, dog spa, sports court, brew pub, built-in espresso machine, wine refrigerator, or a temperature-controlled wine cellar. (Although Cliff would certainly love a Jacuzzi.)
What we shouldn’t have spent money on (but did) was: Cat-5 wiring, a built-in sound system, and an outdoor fireplace (stylish, but rarely ever used.) Who knew that Bluetooth technology would essentially render a stereo system worthless the minute we paid the invoice to have the house fully wired? (BIG miss.)
And what I wish I had insisted upon (but didn’t) was a REAL laundry room, full-sized freezer, ice maker, butler’s pantry, sexier primary bathroom, walk-in closets, mud room, and a 2-car garage. Alas, space and budgetary restrictions kept us from having EVERYTHING on our wish list, although looking back, there were were trade-offs that might have served us better. (Hindsight is 20/20.)
Listen, I’m not here to poo-poo your luxury upgrades — they’re nice to have, especially if you enjoy cold plunges, chilled Rieslings, or romantic fires, but it’s also important to recognize that many home improvements are purely personal lifestyle choices that have little relationship to ROI (return on investment). That being said, if you have the room and the wherewithal to fund an in-home salon, movie theater, or a lit tennis court, it’s your life and you may use your discretionary dollars however you choose. Just don’t expect to be reimbursed for these highly customized spaces.
In the end, the beauty of homeownership is that you get to decide how you want to live in your home. So by all means, if a pool floats your boat, bring in the backhoe and grab your swimsuit — as long as you recognize that ALL home improvements are most definitely NOT created equal. (Which is why when our team transforms a property, we focus on those items that tend to bring measurable bang for the buck, as opposed to those that are primarily ego-driven.)
Put more succinctly, if your goal is maximizing resale value, these projects generally provide stronger returns:
- Garage door replacement
- Front entry door replacement
- Minor kitchen remodel
- Bathroom updates
- Fresh interior & exterior paint
- Refinishing hardwood floors/Adding hardwood floors
- New lighting/Adding can lighting
- Replacing fixtures, faucets, and door handles
- Replacing the countertops and backsplashes
- Improved curb appeal and landscaping
- Deck maintenance or modest deck additions
- Tree trimming
- New carpeting where needed
Of course, once you’ve gone to the time, trouble, and expense of upgrading your home, the cherry on the proverbial sundae is professional staging. That’s where the magic really happens. And while good staging certainly isn’t cheap, it’s what creates the emotional connection to both the property and the process.
Enough said; it’s too hot to write. I’m heading to the freezer for a popsicle. Here’s hoping you stay cool.
How can we help you?
Julie Gardner & Sarah Abel | Compass Realty
Not just Realtors, but consultants in all things house and home, we’re here to educate, explore, examine and refer . . . In short, you may count on us to take care of your home as if it were our own and anyone who knows us, knows we take pretty darn good care of our homes.
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